Free Bus Service To Kolkata From 3 Odisha Cities For 48 Hours; STA Releases Helpline Numbers

Bhubaneswar: In view of disruption of train services caused by 3-train crash, Odisha is running free bus service to Kolkata from Puri, Bhubaneswar & Cuttack for 48 hours from Sunday to facilitate movement of passengers stranded in the state.

According to State Transport Authority, this is applicable for all buses having stage carriage permit. “This facility is available in OSRTC buses as well. Passengers who have purchased tickets already can get refund at the bus stand before commencement of their journey,” it said.

Bus association helpline number has also been provided. They can also contact RTOs of Bhubaneswar, Puri and Cuttack in case of need, it added.

The entire cost of the free service will be borne from Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. It will be extended subject to restoration of normal train services in Balasore route, it added.

On Saturday, the transport department had fines buses for charging exorbitant fares amid cancellation of several trains due to the June 2 accident. Three Kolkata-bound buses were fined around Rs 20,500 each for making passengers cough up Rs 2,000 instead of Rs 1,250.

One of the worst train accidents in India’s history, the 3-way crash at Bahanaga Bazar station on June 2 evening left 275 dead and 1,175 injured.